Mason Nanotechnology Initiative



		Daniel M. Anderson Email: danders1-at-gmu.edu Assistant Professor of Mathematics Department of Mathematical Sciences College of Science George Mason University
I am interested in developing mathematical modeling and scientific computing techniques to study problems arising in nanoscience and nanotechnology that involve fluid dynamics. Particular topics may involve capillary phenomena occuring during the spreading of micro- and nano-scale fluid droplets on solid substrates, fluid flow through nano-scale porous media, and flows in microchannels.
		Estela Blaisten-Barojas Email: blaisten-at-gmu.edu Director of Computational Materials Science Center Professor of Computational Physics Computational and Data Sciences Department College of Science George Mason University
Clusters of atoms and molecules display structural and dynamical properies that are in the nanometer and nanosecond length and time scales. For that reason the study of their electronic, thermodynamic, and structural properties is of importance in several processes leading to the design of new devices in nanelectronics, optics, ceramics, aerogels, just to mention a few. We have contibuted to undertand several of these processes with studies in which we simulate the cluster dynamics at the atomic level. To achieve that we develop novel interaction models to represent the intermolecular forces between atoms of metallic clusters and of several molecular clusters such as conducting polymers, silica and calcite. Publications
		Felix A. Buot Email: fbuot-at-gmu.edu Research Professor Computational Materials Science Center College of Science George Mason University
My research interest centers on quantum transport physics, theory, modeling, and simulation. My research resulted in the quantum superfield theoretical formulation of nonequilibrium many-body physics, pioneered the lattice Weyl transformation techniques, and their application to nanoelectronic, optoelectronic and nano-optical devices. While at NRL, my group pioneered the time-dependent numerical simulation of the quantum distribution-function transport equation of resonant tunneling devices, which exhibit various novel nonlinear quantum effects applicable to information processing, communication, and sensor applications.
		Rajesh Ganesan Email: rganesan-at-gmu.edu Assistant Professor School of Information Technology and Engineering Systems Engineering & Operations Research Department George Mason University
Dr. Rajesh Ganesan's research interests include real time process monitoring and control of nanomachining processes. The research uses wavelet based multiscale statistical analysis approach to monitoring and control of nanoscale processes. Applications in Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP), a key step in silicon wafer manufacturing, are being researched. Some of his published work includes wavelet based identification of delamination defect in CMP using nonstationary acoustic emission signal, and accurate end point detection in CMP using wavelet analysis and sequential probability ratio test (SPRT). Currently, research is ongoing to develop process control algorithms for the CMP processes.
		Silvina Gatica Email: sgatica-at-gmu.edu Affiliate faculty College of Science Computational Materials Science Center George Mason University
I am interested in the properties of fluidsconfined in spaces that are of nanometer size,similar to the size of the molecules. For example,I have studied molecules adsorbed in bundles ofcarbon nanotubes that show unusualcharacteristics, including the occurrence ofone-dimensional fluids. I am currentlyinvestigating the capillary condensation phenomenain cylinders of a few nanometers in diameter. Ourrecent results indicate that there is condensationin these very long nanopores even though theconditions correspond to a non-wetting situation.
		Richard Gomez Email: rgomez-at-gmu.edu Research Professor Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences Department College of Science George Mason University
The Quantum Computation Group in the Commputational and Data Sciences Department led by Dr. Gomez is accepting the argument that in order for the computational sciences to progress further, an alternative to transistor technology must be found. This group is developing new nanoscience programs that are addressing the evolving quantum computational needs. We need to follow the sequence of changes in computer technology as it changes from one physical realization to another. The new programs will allow the researcher to pursue the computational sciences as the computer miniaturization goes from microtechnology to nanotechnology and eventually to truly quantum computers.
		Samar K Guharay Email: sguharay-at-gmu.edu Affiliate Professor Computational Materials Science Center College of Science George Mason University
In nanoscience and nanotechnology appropriate methods and instruments for characterization at the nanometer scale play a very rudimentary role. This enables us to understand the underlying processes, develop means for process control, and design and develop new materials and products with unprecedented properties. In this pursuit, we focus on the studies of the interactions of various diagnostic probes with materials at the nanometer scale. These studies lead to the design and development of new approaches and instruments for characterization.
		Robert V. Honeychuck Email: rhoneych-at-gmu.edu Associate Professor of Chemistry Department of Chemistry College of Science George Mason University
We are developing a laboratory program with preparative and analytical components to research the placement of certain organic molecules onto graphite in defined arrays. The overall philosophy is to use bottom-up (building) techniques in addition to/as a eplacement for top-down (lithographic) methods. The structures to be made include ono- and multi-layered collections of molecules placed on solid planar surfaces with exact XY coordinates. The expected applications are in molecular or multi-molecular scale electronics, ultra-sensitive chemical detection, and anti-microbial surfaces for heavily used public items such as doorknobs and escalator hand rails. Use of standard lithographic techniques in conjunction with the deposition of organics will help in the validation phase.
		Kiki Ikossi Email: kikossi-at-gmu.edu Affiliate Professor School of Information Technology and Engineering Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering George Mason University
My interest in nanotechnology focuses on utilizing quantum mechanical effects and properties of nanosize particles and nanofilms for nano and opto-electronic devices. Present R&D and modeling of advanced III-V compound semiconductor materials combined with novel device fabrication techniques allow the realization of experimental devices never conceived before. Such devices incorporate nanostructures with improved performance that are promising for operation in the THz range.
		Dimitris Ioannou Email: dioannou-at-ece.gmu.edu Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering School of Information Technology and Engineering Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering George Mason University
His research interests in nanotechnology are in the area of Silicon on Insulator (SOI) nanodevices and nanoelectronics. He has wide experience on SOI technology, covering basic materials studies, device physics and characterization, hot carrier reliability and electrostatic discharge protection, and SOI integrated circuit design for high performance and low-power/low-voltage applications. His current emphasis is on nanoscale SOI transistors and multigate structures, and design of integrated circuits based on these structures, including devise physics considerations that allow to take best advantage of the properties of these unique structures. He has long established, strong collaborations with (among others) IBM, AMD, Honeywell, Motorola, and NRL.
		Mark Krekeler Email:mkrekele-at-gmu.edu Assistant Professor Department of Environmental Science and Policy College of Science George Mason University
He focuses on the study of amorphous iron oxides, which are natural nanoparticles found in soils that play a major role in sequestering pollutants. His preferred techinques involve transmission electron microscopy for providing insight into the structure and chemical composition of these nanomaterials. Investigations of natural amorphous iron oxides from soils allow for chemical mapping such that synthetic soils can be manufactured to mimic the textures and variation in spatial distribution of elements in real soils.
		Lance Liotta Email: lliotta-at-gmu.edu Co-director Applied Proteomics & Molecular Medicine College of Science Prince Williams Campus George Mason University
His research interests in proteonics belong to an active field of nanotechnology.
		Yuri Mishin Email: ymishin-at-gmu.edu Professor of Materials Science Department of Physics College of Science George Mason University
Our recent and current work on nano-materials: 1. Effect of surface stress on thermodynamics and surface segregation in thin films. Using free-standing 1-2.5 nm thick films of NiAl as a model. We have shown that surface stresses produce a significant shift of bulk thermodynamic properties in a film and affect the amount of surface segregation. It is predicted that this effect can also be observed in epitaxially grown films, multilayers and in embryos of a new phase during early stages of precipitation. 2. Grain boundary (GB) migration in thin films. It was been shown that spontaneous GB migration in 7-8 nm copper thin films produces significant shear formation of the film. This effect is specific to nanometer-size films and decays as their thickness increases ( 10 nm). The reverse effect was also established: shear deformation of a film induces extensive GB migration. The atomic mechanisms in shear-induced GB migration have been studied and understood. This reversible effect prompts a possible means of controlling deformation of a thin film by induced GB migration, a process relevant to NEMS and MEMS. 3. Stress-driven diffusion in thin films and multilayers. Diffusion in epitaxial layers has two specific features: strong effect of misfit stresses and lack of vacancy sources. We are in the process of creating an atomic-level model of atomic diffusion under such conditions.
		John A. Schreifels Email: jschreif-at-gmu.edu Associate Professor Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry College of Science George Mason University
Ultra thin layers of compounds on a surface can control the surface properties of the material. Certain molecules decompose during their adsorption at very low coverage. An ultra thin layer (less than 1/3 of a monolayer) may form and be dispersed on the surface. These fragments can be characterized using CTPD, a temperature programmed desorption technique that was developed here and has been found to be essential for determining the identity of the decomposition fragments produced. This technique can also provide information about the way three dimensional nanostructures of this substance forming on the surface. Finally, changes in the electronic environment of the adsorbed compounds can be studied with photoelectron spectroscopy in the same instrument and just prior to performing CTPD studies.
		Clint Smith Email: csmitm-at-gmu.edu Affiliate Professor Department of Molecular and Microbiology Center for Biodefense College of Science George Mason University
My research interests involve basic and applied fluorescence remote sensing applications for biological, chemical, and radiological threats. Novel fluorescent probes, molecularly imprinted polymers, and nanocrystals are investigated and envisioned to be utilized for the detection of pathogens in the environment. Currently, the fluorescence remote sensing laboratory is engaged in using state-of-the-art fluorescent spectrometers and remote sensing image analysis instrumentation. Applications are geared toward the imaging domain and will be developed after performing successful laboratory experiments binding molecular probes to specific targets.
		Boris Veytsman Email: bveytsma-at-gmu.edu Affiliate Professor Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Department College of Science George Mason University
My interest focus is theoretical modeling and statistical physics of complex systems: fluids, polymers, liquid crystals, etc. Of particular interest are phase transitions, phase boundaries, and interface phenomena, molecular ordering at nanoscales and the influence of nanoscopic structure of materials on their macroscopic properties.